
Educating Africa-Saitoti's Journey
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Hi, My Name is Lynne Mesmer. Ever since my first “enlightening” visit to Africa in 2007 I have been assisting remote Maasai villages and schools in Kenya with sustaining income for a better way of life and to rise from poverty. After years of fund-raising and selling their exquisite handmade creations, I have discovered that the ABSOLUTE greatest gift I can provide for them is EDUCATION!
I now have an opportunity to make the most impactful difference that I could ever have dreamed of achieving for the Maasai. But I can't do it alone. By sponsoring the continuing education of a Maasai educator, Corneilus Saitoti (goes by Saitoti) together we can assist in the growth and knowledge of numerous Maasai children in the immediate future and years to come. Saitoti has been accepted for enrollment in the spring of 2025 at the College of Central of Florida where I live in Ocala, to obtain a degree in Elementary Education. Now he will have to go through the grueling F1 Visa process. Should he be approved for this student visa he will come here to live with my family during his school year. The goal of attaining this degree is best stated by Saitoti in the quote below:
"To acquire advanced skills and learn different methods of teaching to make the learner's feel that education is powerful. As a role model through education, I want to help the children identify their talents and skills as another way to rise from poverty. I have been giving my time during the holidays to the young boys and girls nurturing their talents and I discovered one thing about them, when you give them hope and show them that you believe in them, automatically they give their best!"
Saitoti is a shining example of pure grit and determination to bring the children he teaches out of poverty. I am so proud of the progress he has made over the years. He is now the principal of a private missionary school in the Masai Mara, owned and operated by Barbara Parkins, an Australian missionary who dedicates her life to the Maasai. Please don't confuse the word "private" with anything fancy you would find in the US or most of the world. Private just means the government does not provide education in their area. They might have a building and it is sometimes operated by volunteers from a village. Many schools just hold classes on the ground under a tree.
The process, travel and tuition adds up to around $13,500 for the first year. We need additional sponsors to make this dream come true. Your assistance will be so greatly appreciated. All donations go directly to Saitoti's fund with no administrative costs other than GoFundMe fees. There is no such thing as a donation too small!
Organizer
Lynne Mesmer
Organizer
Ocala, FL